Junior Health Minister says Govt must maintain health services

The Junior Health Minister has said the Government is facing a real challenge to maintain high standards in the health service.

Jimmy Devins has said there have been huge increases in spending in the health sector over the last decade.

However, he is warning that we must come up with new ways to deal with the problems in the health service.

It is one of the main topics up for discussion at the Fianna Fáil party's think-in today.

Dr. Devins has said the Government cannot afford to let standards slip

"Over the last six or seven years the amount of money being spent on health has increased from €3bn to about €15bn. It is very important that we maintain the services that we have.

"This morning we are talking about innovations, new ways of dealing with the challenges in health and I look forward to a very active and participant discussion," he said.